{
  "id": 8263879,
  "title": "Why we blow out birthday candles: The surprisingly old tradition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/why-we-blow-out-birthday-candles-the-surprisingly-old-tradition",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T14:29:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/why-do-we-blow-out-candles-on-birthday-cakes-the-surprisingly-old-tradition/articleshow/134337696.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The birthday candle tradition has transformed over the centuries, originating from ancient Greek rituals to 18th-century German customs. At Kinderfest, candles adorned cakes to symbolize age and good fortune, with extinguished flames tied to making wishes. As migration and popular culture took hold in the 19th century, this heartfelt practice spread worldwide, maintaining its significance as a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}